Why isn't St. David's Cross included on the UK Union Flag along with the three others?

Answer 1

Wales is not represented on either the Union flag or the Royal Standard as Wales is a Principality in its own right with its own prince. The thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland were merged. Incidentally, the Welsh flag consists of a red dragon on a white and green stripe: it's not in the form of a cross. When the first Union flag was designed in 1606 (for use by warships) Wales wasn't regarded as a country in its own right. The same still applied when the current Union flag of 1801 was adopted. I don't think the question referred to the Welsh red dragon flag, as St. David's cross does exist. It is a gold cross on a black field. I do, however agree with the main point.

Further explanation - Wales and the UK: "countries within a country" Wales was and is a 'country', and always has been in the 'national' sense - its language is still widely spoken and sign-posted today. It was 'annexed' to England in 1535, after years of English occupation. The Welsh royal system was based on Princedom (the first Prince of Wales was in 1216), and the English throne (which already had Welsh Tudor blood via Heny VII) absorbed Wales as a 'Principality' (it was originally connected in 1284 by Edward I), and annexed Wales to its laws, creating a new legal system to accommodate the two entities, which is today called 'The Laws of England and Wales' in the UK (Scotland has differing laws). The word 'Principality' is now just a 'courtesy term' used by the British royal family - ie Prince Charles is the Prince of Wales, Lady Diana was the Princess of Wales, etc. When the United Kingdom (ie 'Britain') was formed, England, Wales and Scotland (later with Ireland for the 19 century, followed by just the newly formed Northern Ireland in the 20 century) became one single 'sovereign' country. Consequently, Wales is no 'less' a country than England or Scotland. In fact, Wales has a national anthem ("Hen Wlad fy Nhadau", which is sung in Welsh) - while England actually doesn't (an anomaly similar to the flag, perhaps).

The sovereign state (or 'official country) is called in full: 'The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland', or the 'United Kingdom' for short. London is the capital city, which is in England, like much of the wealth. The UK national anthem is 'God Save the Queen', although it is accepted that the monarchy has virtually no power in Westminster (the UK actually has no official constitution). The UK government website says the UK comprises of "countries within a country" (Number 10 Downing Street). The UK is the sovereign state, and hence is the single 'country' in sovereign contexts (like the ISO country list). Over the years, people have suggested a new flag where the Welsh dragon or the cross of St David are included. If the Union Jack flag is ever changed (for whatever reason), it could well happen.